Question

Which of the following is the radioactive isotope of carbon?

• A. ${}^{12}C$
• B. ${}^{13}C$
• C. ${}^{14}C$
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C ${}^{14}C$

Naturally occuring carbon has 3 isotopes - ${}^{12}C$, ${}^{13}C$ and ${}^{14}C$
Among the 3 isotopes, ${}^{12}C$ and ${}^{13}C$ isotopes are stable isotopes while ${}^{14}C$ is a radioactive isotopes with half life period of 5770 years. This isotope is used in carbon dating and carbon labelling.